High Protein Pasta Casserole

Comfort food meets healthy nutrition! This High Protein Pasta Casserole is packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and creamy cottage cheese for a satisfying family meal. It’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd while sneaking in extra veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein

Packed with vegetables

 Great for meal prep

Family friendly

Freezer friendly

Easy to customize

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat or protein pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions For High Protein Pasta Casserole

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 5

Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 6

Stir in the mushrooms, zucchini, and yellow squash. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 7

Mix in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 8

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and cottage cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 10

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 11

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Tips

• Use protein pasta for even more protein.
• Swap lean ground turkey or chicken for beef.
• Add spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Top with fresh basil before serving.
• For extra creaminess, use full-fat cottage cheese.

Nutrition Benefits

This healthier pasta casserole is loaded with lean protein from the beef, cottage cheese, and mozzarella while providing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from zucchini, squash, mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Whole wheat or protein pasta adds complex carbohydrates to help keep you feeling satisfied longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to three months.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well and keeps the recipe lean.

Is cottage cheese noticeable?

Not really. It melts into the casserole, adding creaminess and protein without a strong cottage cheese texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with:

• Mixed green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Garlic green beans
• Steamed asparagus
• Whole grain garlic bread